Prevalence and Associated Factors of Needlestick and Sharp Injuries Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia: A Prospective Single‐Center Study.

Abstract

Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) represent a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs), posing serious health risks and psychological stress. Globally, millions of HCWs experience such injuries each year, with the burden disproportionately higher in low‐resource settings. In postconflict regions like Somalia, these challenges are often intensified due to strained healthcare systems and limited resources. Despite the potential severity of the issue, there is a lack of comprehensive data on its prevalence and determinants in such contexts. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of NSSIs and identify associated risk factors among HCWs at a tertiary care hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 333 randomly selected HCWs from April to July 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, occupational factors, safety practices and perceptions, and 12‐month recall of NSSIs events. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with NSSIs. Although age was not a statistically significant factor ( p = 0.1548), the highest prevalence of NSSIs was observed among HCWs aged 25–40 years (75.52%). In the multivariable analysis, perceiving a moderate risk of injury emerged as a significant predictor of NSSI occurrence (AOR = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.00–9.10). Conversely, caring for more than 10 patients/day was associated with reduced odds of experiencing an injury (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21–0.88). This study highlights significant associations between sex, education level, and the prevalence of NSSIs among HCWs at the surveyed tertiary hospital. These findings underscore the need for targeted, evidence‐based interventions to mitigate NSSI risks—particularly in postconflict, resource‐constrained healthcare settings like Somalia. Strengthening training, improving safety practices, and addressing occupational disparities can contribute to safer working environments for HCWs in similar contexts.